Paulette'S Buttercream Frosting

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: American

Paulette's Buttercream Frosting offers a rich, creamy sweetness that perfectly complements cakes and cupcakes. With a smooth texture and classic vanilla flavor, it is ideal for decorating baked goods for special occasions or everyday treats. Its simple ingredients make it easy to prepare and customize.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 4 cups confectioners sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Soften the butter.
  2. Add the shortening, vanilla, confectioners sugar, and milk.
  3. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, consider substituting half of the shortening with cream cheese. If you prefer a more indulgent flavor, use all butter instead of shortening. Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easy mixing. To tint the frosting, use gel food coloring for better results. This buttercream frosting pairs beautifully with Sour Cream Cut-Out Cookies.

Serving Suggestions

This buttercream frosting is perfect for decorating cakes, cupcakes, or cookies. Spread it generously over your favorite vanilla or chocolate cakes. For a festive touch, consider adding sprinkles or edible glitter. It also complements desserts like Date Pinwheels, enhancing their sweetness and appeal.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before using, let it come to room temperature and give it a good stir to restore its creamy texture. If the frosting thickens in the fridge, add a splash of milk to soften it.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Paulette'S Buttercream Frosting contains roughly 1415 calories, with 16g protein, 178g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (80% of the Daily Value), calcium (76% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 768mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).

1415 kcal 71% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 15.6g 31% DV
Total Fat 63.9g 82% DV
Carbs 178g 65% DV
Fiber 1g 3% DV
Sugar 115.4g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 768.3mg 33% DV
Potassium 654mg 14% DV
Cholesterol 36.9mg 12% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 451.2mcg 50% DV
Vitamin C 37mg 41% DV
Vitamin D 4.1mcg 20% DV
Calcium 987.3mg 76% DV
Iron 14.4mg 80% DV
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this frosting in advance?

Yes, you can prepare this buttercream frosting up to a week in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before using, allow it to come to room temperature and whip it again to restore its texture.

How can I make this frosting less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, you can add a pinch of salt or incorporate some cream cheese into the frosting, which will balance the sugar with its tangy flavor. Adjust the sugar amount gradually to achieve your preferred sweetness level.

What can I use this frosting for?

This buttercream frosting is versatile and can be used for a variety of baked goods, including cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. It's especially great for layer cakes and can be easily flavored or colored to match your theme or occasion.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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